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Tom Uden, San Diego ARC chaplain, was unexpectedly promoted to Glory on November 3, 2004. The Lord called him home as he was preparing to leave on a camping trip.
Thomas Charles Uden was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada on February 23, 1921. He was raised in Flint, Michigan. He served in the United States Navy Flying Corps for four years from 1941-1945.
Tom married Joy Saunders in Toronto on October 14, 1944. They have lived in Brantford, Canada; Flint and Royal Oak, Mich.; Clearwater, Fla.; and Hacienda Heights, Whittier and Santee, Calif. In each place Tom held local officer positions, including bandmaster in the Royal Oak and Clearwater Corps; and corps sergeant major at Los Angeles Congress Hall and El Cajon Corps. Along with these positions, Tom was also a songster, bandsman, and Bible teacher.
He was one of the first leaders in forming Terloc/Divloc, and traveled through the Western Territory introducing the program. For several years, he served as penitent form leader at the Long Beach Camp Meetings.
Tom also served as an envoy for three and a half years at the Whittier Corps. He worked for many years with the Booth Hospital and the ARC program, and served as chaplain at the ARC for 15 years.
On September 26, 2004, Tom was awarded the first ever C.S.M. Emeritus designation because of the influence and impact he has had on The Salvation Army in the Western Territory.
Tom and Joy celebrated 60 years of marriage this October 2004.
He is survived by his wife, Joy; son Tom, who lives in Largo, Fla.; daughter Janice, who lives in Santee, Calif.; and two grandsons, Eric Uden and Ryan Sawyer.
A memorial service was held at the El Cajon Corps.
Messsages of condolence may be sent to Joy Uden at: 7467 Mission Gorge Rd., Space 252, Santee, CA 92071.
